Welcome to Namibia

Since Namibia has one of the most uninviting and desolate
coastlines in the world, it was neglected by European explorers
like the Portuguese, who limited their activities to setting up
navigational crosses along the desert shoreline. Today visitors
have discovered the vast potential of a country rich in natural
resources, with desert landscapes, sunshine, wildlife and a rugged,
barren beauty.

It was only later, during the last half of the 19th century,
that the race for colonies among the world powers began, and so
ensued the German control that became Namibia's colonial reign of
terror. The indigenous tribes tried vigorously to retain their
independence, and in 1904 a major uprising by the Herero and Nama
people resulted in massive genocide retaliation by the
colonialists, with an estimated 60 percent of the native population
in the south being wiped out. Today the population consists of 11
main ethnic groups, and the towns still reflect the influence of
German colonisation evident in the architecture, food and language,
particularly in the capital city of Windhoek.

Namibia has a diversity of natural habitats: the rugged
coastline and haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast, the endless
stretch of undulating ochre-coloured sand dunes at Sossusvlei, the
impressive gorge of the Fish River Canyon winding through the arid
landscape of the great plateau, and the vast salt pan of Etosha
National Park, one of the world's greatest wildlife viewing venues.
These are the attractions that draw travellers to one of Africa's
more intriguing destinations, the unspoilt wilderness of
Namibia.

With a total population of just over two million, a holiday in
Namibia is the opportunity of a lifetime to experience the beauty
of a pristine natural environment teeming with wildlife.

Business

Business in Namibia is conducted somewhat formally, although
drinking and socialising are an important part of building good
working relationships. Standard business etiquette applies; dress
tends to be formal with more lightweight materials worn in the
hotter seasons, punctuality is important, shake hands on greeting
and leaving and in general be polite and professional. English is
the language of business, though German and Afrikaans are widely
spoken. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Climate

Rainfall occurs exclusively in the summer months, between
November and February, when heavy thunderstorms can be expected.
Summer is very hot and the Namib Desert should be avoided at this
time as temperatures are often above 104ºF (40ºC). The coast is
cooler and often foggy. The best time to visit is during the winter
months from March to October (April and June are preferable) as
days are warm and dry, and wildlife easier to spot as they tend to
congregate at waterholes. Nights can be very cold with frost.

Communications

The international access code for Namibia is +264. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for
South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)61 for Windhoek.
Most towns are covered by a GSM 900/1800 mobile network. Internet
access is available from some hotels and Internet cafes are
available in Windhoek and Walvis Bay.

Customs

It is best to check before taking pictures of State House or
properties where the President is residing, as well as any
buildings guarded by the army or police.

Duty Free

Travellers to Namibia over 16 years do not have to pay duty on
400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres wine and 1
litre spirits or liquor; 50ml perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette;
and gifts to the value of N$50,000.

Safety regulations in Namibia require all visitors to have a
yellow fever certificate if arriving from an infected area.
Travellers should ensure their polio vaccinations are up to date.
There is a malaria risk in the northern region during the rainy
season (January to April). HIV/AIDS is prevalent and precautions
are essential. Cholera outbreaks do occur and visitors should drink
or use only boiled or bottled water, and avoid ice in drinks. There
has been an increase in the incidence of rabies among dogs in
Windhoek. There are good medical facilities in Windhoek, but
medical insurance is essential as treatment is expensive.
Travellers to Namibia should take medical advice at least four
weeks prior to departure.

Language

English is the official language, but many people also
speak Afrikaans and German. There are also several indigenous
languages spoken, mainly in the rural areas.

Money

The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD) divided into
100 cents. Its value is equal to the South African Rand, which is
also accepted as legal currency in Namibia. Major credit cards are
accepted. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged
at any bank or bureau de change, though cash is more expensive to
exchange than travellers cheques. ATMs are available in larger
towns only.

Passport Visa

All foreign passengers to Namibia must have confirmed
return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for
their next destination. Additionally, visitors should ensure that
they have at least two blank pages remaining in their passports,
for entry and departure endorsements from the Namibian Immigration
Service. Note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is
required to enter Namibia, if arriving within six days of leaving
or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly
recommended that your passport has at least six months validity
remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Safety

The majority of visits to Namibia are safe and trouble-free, but
beware of street crime and pick-pockets in the town centres. Theft
from vehicles, especially from service stations, is common and
valuables should be kept out of sight and the car locked. Avoid
using taxis if possible and never take one alone. Care should be
taken when travelling in the Caprivi Strip; travel in daylight
hours only (livestock wandering onto roads at night cause many
accidents), and stay on the main tarred highway as there is a risk
of landmines remaining from the Angolan civil war. Namibia is
considered at very low risk of terrorism, and there have been no
major incidents reported of violence against foreigners.

Tipping

Tips of 10% are expected where a service charge has not been
included in the bill. Tour guides, game rangers and trackers rely
on tips for their income and should be tipped accordingly.

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